Corticosteroids are a class of drug that lowers inflammation in the body. They also reduce immune system activity.

Because corticosteroids ease swelling, itching, redness, and allergic reactions, doctors often prescribe them to help treat diseases like:

asthma

arthritis

lupus

allergies

Corticosteroids resemble cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the body’s adrenal glands. The body needs cortisol to stay healthy. Cortisol is a major player in a wide range of processes in the body, including metabolism, immune response, and stress.

Addison’s disease. This occurs when your body doesn’t make enough cortisol. Corticosteroids can make up the difference.

Organ transplants. Corticosteroids help suppress the immune system and reduce the likelihood of organ rejection.

Inflammation. In cases when inflammation causes damage to important organs, corticosteroids can save lives. Inflammation occurs when the body’s white blood cells are mobilized to protect against infection and foreign substances.

Autoimmune diseases. Sometimes the immune system doesn’t work correctly, and people develop inflammatory conditions that cause damage instead of protection.Corticosteroids decrease the inflammation and prevent this damage. They also affect how white blood cells work and reduce the activity of the immune system.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of using this medication. If they’re used for a short period (from a few days to a few weeks), it’s possible to have no side effects.

Corticosteroids can be a life-changing or life-saving medication, but long-term use can cause health risks. Despite negative side effects, some conditions do require long-term use. Here are a few things to consider:

Older peoplemight be more likely to develop issues with high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Women have a higher chance of developing this bone disease.

Children may experience stunted growth. Corticosteroids can also cause measles or chickenpox infections that are more serious than those in children not taking them.

Breastfeeding mothers should use steroids with caution. They may cause issues with growth or other effects for the baby.

Make sure to let your doctor know if you’ve had any negative reactions to a medicine before. Also tell your doctor about any allergies you may have.

The use of this medication may be the best option for your situation. While there are risks associated with corticosteroids, there are ways to minimize your side effects. Here are some tips to consider:

Talk to your doctor about low or intermittent dosing.

Make healthy lifestyle choices, like a healthy diet and exercising more often than not.

Get a medical alert bracelet.

Get regular checkups.

Use local steroids if possible.

Slowly taper dosage when stopping therapy if you’ve been using this medication for a long time. This allows your adrenal glands time to adjust.